Dog Cushing's Disease: Welfare Management of Hyperadrenocorticism

Hyperadrenocorticism, or Cushing's disease, causes chronic cortisol excess in dogs. Proper diagnosis and treatment significantly improve quality of life, while unmanaged disease causes progressive suffering and systemic complications.

Key Facts

Cushing's disease affects approximately 0.2% of dogs, most commonly in middle-aged to older animals
About 80 to 85% of cases result from a pituitary tumour; 15 to 20% from an adrenal tumour
Classic signs include polyuria, polydipsia, pot-bellied appearance, muscle weakness, and skin changes
Iatrogenic Cushing's can result from prolonged corticosteroid therapy
Trilostane and mitotane are the most commonly used medical treatments in dogs
Dogs with untreated Cushing's are more susceptible to urinary tract infections, diabetes, and hypertension
With appropriate treatment, most dogs show significant quality-of-life improvement within weeks

Welfare Considerations

Dogs with Cushing's disease experience a constellation of welfare-compromising symptoms including constant thirst and urination requiring frequent access to water, muscle weakness that limits mobility, and skin fragility causing discomfort. The chronic cortisol excess impairs immune function, increases infection risk, and can cause hypertensive organ damage. Untreated Cushing's progressively degrades wellbeing over months to years. Early diagnosis and appropriate medical management restores near-normal quality of life for most affected dogs.

What You Can Do

If your middle-aged dog develops pot-belly, excessive drinking, or hair loss, request hormonal testing
Work with a veterinary internist experienced in endocrine management for complex cases
Monitor treated dogs regularly through ACTH stimulation testing to ensure appropriate cortisol control
Ensure constant fresh water access for dogs with Cushing's due to their exceptional thirst
Support veterinary endocrinology research through donations to veterinary schools